Shorts: Sunderland AFC, SVG Europe, University of Edinburgh

Sunderland AFC have partnered with Virgin Media O2 and Boldyn Networks to significantly enhance 5G connectivity at the 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light.

The upgrade replaces a decade-old network system and has been delivered ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup opener and Sunderland AFC’s return to the Premier League. The new infrastructure is a neutral host network, with Virgin Media O2 customers the first to benefit from the high-speed connectivity.

The installation is part of the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, which is partially funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The new system is designed to improve the way fans experience and engage with live sports, allowing for seamless uploads and downloads of videos and social media, and enabling future personalised experiences like in-seat food ordering.

David Bruce, Chief Business Officer of the Sunderland Association Football Club, said, “The launch of an enhanced 5G network at the Stadium of Light marks another exciting step forward, not just for Sunderland AFC, but for the entire city. This technology will unlock incredible opportunities to enhance the matchday experience for our supporters through faster connectivity, richer content, and more immersive engagement than ever before.

“It reflects our ongoing commitment to putting fans at the heart of everything we do and forms part of a continued period of investment in the Stadium of Light. As part of the City of Sunderland’s vision for innovation and growth, we’re proud to play our part in shaping a smarter, more connected environment for our community.”

Sports Video Group (SVG) Europe has added content and mobile application security provider DoveRunner as a new bronze sponsor.

DoveRunner specialises in safeguarding the live sports streaming ecosystem with a suite of end-to-end content security solutions. The company’s services, which include multi-DRM, forensic watermarking, anti-piracy monitoring, and real-time app shielding, are designed to help rights owners and OTT platforms protect their content from piracy.

By helping platforms maintain compliance and reduce revenue leakage, DoveRunner aims to enable its partners to maximise revenues and deliver a trusted and secure viewing experience for sports fans. The company has recently focused on innovations in real-time leak detection and takedown to strengthen its offering for premium sports content.

Rupesh Shinde, Global Market Leader, DoveRunner, said, “DoveRunner safeguards the live sports streaming ecosystem with end-to-end content security solutions. Our solutions protect live sports from piracy, enabling rights owners and OTT platforms to maximise revenues and deliver a trusted viewing experience. With recent innovations in real-time leak detection and takedown, DoveRunner is strengthening its commitment to protecting premium sports content worldwide.”

The University of Edinburgh Sport has signed a three-year partnership with sports hydration brand Grilla, one of the largest commercial deals secured in UK higher education sport.

The agreement, valued at a six-figure sum, has included investment into University of Edinburgh Sport to strengthen the student sport experience, expand access, and support performance pathways from participation through to elite level.

As part of the partnership, a number of Sports Clubs within the university have been involved in the agreement, while funding has also been directed towards scholarships and athlete development programmes.

For Grilla, the partnership has followed its recent agreement with the United States Youth Soccer Association, the world’s largest youth sport organisation.

Mark Munro, University of Edinburgh Director of Sport & Active Health said, “This is a transformational moment for sport at the University of Edinburgh. Our partnership with Grilla is not only one of the most significant commercial deals ever in UK university sport, but also one that will directly benefit our students, from grassroots participation to elite performance.

“We are proud to be working with such an innovative partner to grow opportunity, access and excellence in university sport.”

Subscribe to the Sport Industry Daily for regular updates on the biggest stories and latest news in the sport industry.